System for illuminating an arrow or bolt

ABSTRACT

A system for illuminating an arrow or bolt includes a nock assembly configured for coupling with the arrow or bolt at a proximal end thereof, a light emitting assembly disposed within the nock assembly, and a light transmitter coupled with the light emitting assembly and configured for transmitting at least a portion of the light from a light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/625,235 filed Feb. 1, 2018, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The instant disclosure relates to archery. In particular, the disclosure pertains to an illumination system for locating an arrow or bolt after it has been discharged.

BACKGROUND

Known prior art lighted nocks are configured to illuminate only the back or proximal portion of the nock of an arrow or a bolt. Such configurations can limit the visibility and tracking of the arrow or bolt. However, because the nock is relatively “small,” it may be difficult to locate the arrow or bolt under certain conditions such as, for example, when the lighted nock at the proximal end of the arrow or bolt is covered up with, for example, debris.

Accordingly, there exists a need for a system for increasing the visibility of an arrow or bolt after it has been discharged.

SUMMARY

A non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a system for illuminating an arrow or bolt includes a nock assembly, a light emitting assembly, and a light transmitter. In some embodiments, the nock assembly is configured for coupling with the arrow or bolt at a proximal end thereof. In certain embodiments, the light emitting assembly is disposed within the nock assembly, and includes a light course, a power source, and a switch. In some embodiments, the light transmitter is coupled with the light emitting assembly and is configured for transmitting at least a portion of the light from the light source.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a system for illuminating an arrow or bolt;

FIG. 2 illustrates the system of FIG. 1 in a dis-assembled state;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4A is a side view of the system of FIG. 1 as view orthogonally from the view of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B is an elevational view of the system of FIG. 1 as viewed from a proximal end thereof;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are non-limiting exemplary illustrations of a location of a bowstring relative to a nock.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more non-limiting embodiments are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals designate like elements. It should be clearly understood that there is no intent, implied or otherwise, to limit the disclosure in any way, shape or form to the embodiments illustrated and described herein. While multiple exemplary embodiments are provided, variations thereof will become apparent or obvious to a person of ordinary skills. Accordingly, any and all variants for providing functionalities similar to those described herein are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for illuminating an arrow or bolt 12; FIG. 2 illustrates the system 10 in a dis-assembled state; FIGS. 3A and 3B are side views of the system 10; FIG. 4A is a side view of the system 10 viewed orthogonally from the side view of FIG. 3; and FIG. 4B is an end view of the system 10 as view from a proximal end thereof.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a nock assembly 14, a light emitting assembly 16 disposed within the nock assembly 14, and a light transmitter 18 coupled with the light emitting assembly 16.

Nock assemblies, such as the nock assembly 14, are well known in the art. Several non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the nock assembly 14 are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,758,177, 8,944,944, 9,028,347, 9,140,527, 9,243,875, 9,404,720, 9,410,775, 9,423,219, 9,518,806, 9,618304, 9,702,671, D664,625S, D669,955S, and D669,956S, among others, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In view thereof, the inclusion herein of detailed descriptions of the numerous embodiments of the nock assembly 14 is considered not necessary. Briefly, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the nock assembly 14 includes a nock 20, a sleeve 22, and a collar 24. As is well known in the art, nock assemblies, such as the nock assembly 14, are configured for coupling with the arrow or bolt 12 at a proximal end 26 thereof.

Light emitting assemblies, such as the light emitting assembly 16, also are well known in the art. Several non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the light emitting assembly 16 are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,758,177, 8,944,944, 9,243,875, and 9,702,671, among others, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In view thereof, the inclusion herein of detailed descriptions of the numerous embodiments of the light emitting assembly 16 is considered not necessary. Briefly, in a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, light emitting assembly 16 includes a light source 28, a power source 30, and a switch (not shown). While a switch, per se, is not shown or described herein, the above listed co-owned US patents pertaining to the light emitting assembly 16 include illustrations and detailed descriptions of several non-limiting exemplary embodiments of switches for operating light sources, such as the light source 28. In some embodiments, the switch is accessible for resetting the light emitting assembly 16.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light transmitter 18 is coupled with the light emitting assembly 16 and is configured for transmitting at least a portion of the light from the light source 28. In some embodiments, a proximal end 32 of the light transmitter 18 is positioned proximate the light source 26. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the light transmitter 18 is disposed within the arrow or bolt 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least a portion 34 of the arrow or bolt 12 is at least partially transparent. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light transmitted by the light transmitter 18 is emitted or is visible through the at least partially transparent portion 34 of the arrow or bolt 12. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the arrow or bolt 12 is composed of a luminous or similar material configured for emitting or transmitting at least a portion of the light transmitted by the light transmitter 18. In some such embodiments, the arrow or bolt 12 may or may not include a transparent or semi-transparent portion 34.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light source 28 of the light emitting assembly 16 is energized or activated or “turned on” in accordance with the one or more embodiments disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,758,177, 8,944,944, 9,243,875, and 9,702,671, among others, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In certain embodiments, the light source 28 is activated when the bowstring applies pressure or force on the nock 20 when the arrow or bolt 12 is released from a bowstring 36. One such non-limiting exemplary embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B. FIG. 5A illustrates the bowstring 36 positioned or located proximally from the nock 20 after the arrow or bolt 12 is nocked. As shown, the nock 20 is displaced proximally from a distal end 38 of the sleeve 22. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, when the arrow or bolt 12 is released from the drawn position, the bowstring 36 strikes or impacts the nock 20 which causes the nock 20 to be displaced distally in the direction indicated by the arrow 40, and energize or activate the light source 28. In some embodiments, the light source 28 is activated before the arrow or bolt 12 is released from the drawn position. FIG. 5B is illustrative of one such embodiment wherein the arrow or bolt 12 is nocked with the bowstring 36 and the nock 20 in contact with each other, and a force or pressure is exerted on the nock 20 causing it to be displaced distally and energizing or activating the light source 28. Accordingly, the light source 28 is activated prior to releasing the arrow or bolt 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, a distal end 42 of the light transmitter 18 is configured for concentrating or diffusing the transmitted light.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the system 10 wherein at least a portion 44 proximate the proximal end 32 of the light transmitter 18 extends into the nock assembly 14. In some embodiments, the light transmitter 18 extends distally from a distal end 46 of the nock assembly 14. In certain embodiments, the entire light transmitter 18 is disposed within the arrow or bolt 12. Accordingly, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the light emitting assembly 16 extends into the arrow or bolt 12 so as to maintain the coupling between the light emitting assembly 16 and the light transmitter 18.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the nock assembly 14 is coupled with the light emitting assembly 16 such that at least a portion of the light source 28 illuminates or is emitted from at least a portion of the nock 20. One or more such embodiments configured with a “lighted nock” or “illuminated nock”, and methods therefor, are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,758,177, 8,944,944, 9,243,875, and 9,702,671, among others, which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Also as disclosed therein, the switch is one of a mechanical latch, an electrical latch, and a piezoelectric element. However, this should not be construed as limiting the type of switch or mode of switching or activating the light source 28. Any and all alternative and/or additional types of switches and modes of switching are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light transmitter 18 is one of a light pipe and a light tube as are well known in the art. However, this should not be construed as limiting the selection of devices and/or methods for transmitting the light from the light source 28. Any and all alternative and/or additional types of light transmitters for transmitting light from a light source are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a controller configurable for operating or activating the light source 28 in different modes. For instance, in some embodiments, the controller is configurable to strobe or blink the light source 28. In certain embodiments, the controller is configurable to change or alter the frequency or cycle rate of the strobing or blinking light source 28. In some embodiments, the controller is configurable to change the color of the light source 28. For instance, the controller can be configured for cycling light source 28 through two or more colors. Additionally or in the alternative, each or all of the two or more colors have the same or different frequencies or cycle rates.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes one or more light sources 28 configured for strobing or cycling. In some embodiments, the one or more strobing light sources 28 is provided on or disposed within or integral with: (a) the nock 20; (b) one or more arrow fletching; (c) the arrow or bolt 12; (d) an arrowhead or broadhead or point; or (e) a combination of two or more of (a) through (d).

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the illumination or light source 28 is one or more Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), or one or more light bulbs, or a combination of one or more LEDs and one or more light bulbs. However, this should not be construed as being limiting. Alternative or additional embodiments of one or more light sources 28 as may be apparent to one skilled in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the power source 30 is integral with the arrow or bolt 12 and/or integral with the nock assembly 14 and/or integral with the nock 20.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the strobing lights are provided by cycling power through a plurality of the light sources 28. For example, power may be cycled such that the light source 28 is illuminated almost simultaneously after power to another light source 28 is turned off. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, strobing is affectuated by sequentially powering neighboring light sources 28. In another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, strobing is affectuated by sequentially powering every other light source 28, e.g., skipping one light source 28 in a sequence. In yet another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, strobing is affectuated by skipping two or three or four, etc., light sources 28 in a sequence of one or more light sources 28.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more light sources 28 are positioned along a straight line, or a curved line, or in a pre-determined pattern. For example, the light sources 28 may be arranged in a circle, or a helix or spiral. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the controller is configurable for sequentially powering or illuminating the one or more light sources in a direction from a proximal location to a distal location. In another non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the controller is configurable for sequentially powering or illuminating the one or more light sources 28 in a direction from a distal location to a proximal location. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the user of the arrow or bolt 12 selects, for example by configuring the controller, a strobing light pattern from a list of options. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the user is provided a means or option from creating or programming one or more strobing patterns. In some embodiments, this is accomplished via wired or wire-less communications with a device such as, but not limited to, one or more of a smart device such as a smart phone, a phablet, a tablet, a computer as may be apparent to one skilled in the art, and/or any such device(s) configurable for communications.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 broadcasts a “homing beacon” for tracking the arrow or bolt 12 using a tracking device. The homing beacon self-starts such as, for example, upon impact or shortly thereafter or is made operational upon receiving an “initiate” or signal from a tracking device. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the tracking device is one or more of a smart device such as a smart phone, a phablet, a tablet, a computer as is currently known in the art, and any such device as may be able to establish a communications link with the arrow or bolt 12.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more light sources 28 may be associated with the nock 20 of the arrow or bolt 12. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more light sources 28 are associated with the shaft of the arrow or bolt 12. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more light sources 28 are associated with an arrow-head or a broadhead or a point. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the one or more light sources 28 are associated with one or more fletching of the arrow or bolt 12. Any combination of two or more of such or other components of the arrow or bolt 12 with which the one or more light sources 28 can be associated are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. In some embodiments, the one or more light sources 28 are an integral part of one or more components of the arrow or bolt 12.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that it is not necessary for a sequential powering of the one or more light sources 28 to complete before re-starting. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the powering cycle of the one or more light sources 28 is indicative of a direction. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, more than one light source 28 is energized or powered at the same time. For instance, every other or every third or every fourth and so forth light source 28 is energized or powered at the same time while the remaining light sources 28 are not powered. In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment such energizing or powering includes a delay for giving appearance of a moving stream.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, at least a portion or segment of the one or more strobing light sources 28 are partly or wholly similar to the approach lighting system (ALS) used at an airport for illuminating the direction in which an aircraft should approach and land on the runway.

The foregoing exemplary embodiments should not be construed as limiting in any shape or form. To the contrary, any and all alternatives and/or additions that may be apparent to one skilled in the art are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the light transmitter 18 is integral with the arrow or bolt 12. For instance, in some embodiments, the shaft of the arrow or bolt 12 is configured as light transmitter such as, for example or similar to, a light tube or a light pipe or the like.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a light emitting assembly 16 and a light transmitter 18 coupled with the light emitting assembly 16 and configured for transmitting at least a portion of the light from one or more light sources 18.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes a light emitting assembly 16 having one or more light sources 28, a power source 30, and a switch, wherein at least a portion of the arrow or bolt 12 is illuminated by one or more of the one or more light sources 28. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the arrow or bolt 12 is configured for transmitting light from the one or more light sources 28. In certain embodiments, the system 10 includes a light transmitter 18 coupled with a light emitting assembly 16 and configured for transmitting at least a portion of the light from one or more light sources 28.

In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the system 10 includes one or more light transmitters 18 configured for transmitting light from one or more light sources 28.

In view thereof, modified and/or alternate configurations of the embodiments described herein may become apparent or obvious to one of ordinary skill. All such variations are considered as being within the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure. For instance, while reference may have been made to particular feature(s) and/or function(s), the disclosure is considered to also encompass any and all equivalents providing functionalities similar to those disclosed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Accordingly, the spirit, scope and intent of the instant disclosure is to embrace all such variations. Consequently, the metes and bounds of the instant disclosure are defined by the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for illuminating an arrow or bolt, comprising: a nock assembly configured for coupling with the arrow or bolt at a proximal end thereof; a light emitting assembly disposed within the nock assembly, the light emitting assembly comprising: a light source; a power source; and a switch; and a light transmitter coupled with the light emitting assembly and configured for transmitting at least a portion of the light from the light source.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the light transmitter is disposed within the arrow or bolt.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the arrow or bolt is illuminated by the transmitted light.
 4. The system of claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the arrow or bolt is at least partially transparent; and at least a portion of the transmitted light is emitted through the at least partially transparent portion of the arrow or bolt.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is activated when the arrow or bolt is nocked.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source is activated when the bowstring is released.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein a distal end of the light transmitter is configured for either concentrating or diffusing the transmitted light.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the entire light transmitter is disposed within the arrow or bolt.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein at least a portion of the light emitting assembly extends into the arrow or bolt
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the light transmitter extends distally from a distal end of the nock assembly.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch is accessible for resetting the light emitting assembly.
 12. The system of claim 1, comprising a controller configurable for changing the operation of the light source.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein: the nock assembly is coupled with the light emitting assembly; and at least a portion of the light from the light source illuminates at least a portion of the nock assembly.
 14. The system of claim 1, wherein the switch is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical latch, an electrical latch, and a piezoelectric element.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the light transmitter is selected from the group consisting of a light pipe and a light tube.
 16. The system of claim 1, wherein the light transmitter is integral with the arrow or bolt. 